HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM Installation Manual

Release History

Part Number N515-6074

Release A

Publication Date May 2001

Any comments about the documentation for this product should be addressed to: User Assistance PerkinElmer Instruments LLC 710 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, Connecticut 06484-4794 U.S.A Or emailed to: AI.UserAssistance@perkinelmer.com Notices The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. PerkinElmer makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. PerkinElmer shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequential damages in connection with furnishing, performance or use of this material. NOTE: TotalChrom is the updated version of the software previously marketed as Turbochrom. This product is compatible with TotalChrom and Turbochrom version 6.1.x. The term TotalChrom has been used throughout this document to denote either system. Copyright Information This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever or translated into any language without the prior, written permission of PerkinElmer Instruments LLC. Copyright 2001 PerkinElmer Instruments LLC.

Trademarks Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are protected by law. PerkinElmer is a registered trademark of PerkinElmer, Inc. TotalChrom and 600 Series LINK Interface are trademarks of PerkinElmer Instruments LLC. HP 6890, HP GC Autosampler and HP G1512A Controller are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Corporation. Turbochrom is a trademark of Applera Corporation.

Table of Contents
HP 6890/Autosampler Controller IPM ....................................................................................... 1 Data Handling Limitation .................................................................................................... 2 HP Hardware Requirements................................................................................................. 2 HP G1512A Controller................................................................................................. 2 Cable Requirements ............................................................................................................. 2 HP 6890 Hardware Configuration ....................................................................................... 3 Uploading Instrument Configuration for TotalChrom ......................................................... 4 Appendix A - LINK Error Messages .......................................................................................... 9 HP6890-Specific IPM Errors............................................................................................. 16 Appendix B - Wiring Diagram.................................................................................................. 18 Appendix C - Operational Hints for the HP6890 ...................................................................... 19 Column Configuration ....................................................................................................... 19 Upper Limits for Gas Flow Rates ...................................................................................... 19 Flame Lit Offset and Reignite Options .............................................................................. 19 Run Log ............................................................................................................................. 19 ElCD (Electro Conductivity) and PID (Photo Ionization) Detectors ................................. 20 Detector Range .................................................................................................................. 20 Split/Splitless Flow/Ratio .................................................................................................. 20 Pulsed Pressure Split and Splitless Modes......................................................................... 21 Gas Saver ........................................................................................................................... 21 Prep Run ............................................................................................................................ 21 Carrier Gases ..................................................................................................................... 22 Purged Packed Inlet (with EPC) ........................................................................................ 22

Table of Contents

HP 6890 Autosampler Controller IPM

The 600 Series LINK Interface is used with PerkinElmer software products to acquire and buffer digital data from laboratory instruments and to control the operating parameters of such instruments. To perform these functions, firmware must be downloaded from the host computer to the LINK Interface. This firmware is called an Instrument Personality Module (IPM); there is a unique IPM for each instrument that can be controlled by the LINK Interface. In addition to downloading the IPM to LINK, the host software requires configuration information that describes the features available on the specific instrument in use. This information is contained in a LIB file that is read by the configuration utility of the host software. The distribution media for the host software contains the IPM and LIB files required to operate an HP 6890 gas chromatograph. An optional Autosampler that connects to the HP 6890 GC via the G1512A Controller may also be controlled by the LINK interface. Prior to using the LINK Interface for controlling an HP 6890 Series gas chromatograph, you must install the HP 6890 IPM PAK (or permission upgrade key for Turbochrom Professional) that was provided with this manual. This manual provides instructions for the following procedures: Installation of the necessary cables to connect the HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph to a PerkinElmer LINK Interface. Initial configuration of the HP 6890 and HP autosampler communication parameters.

Information concerning installation of the LINK Interface is available in the 600 Series LINK Interface Operator's Manual. Information on the routine use of the software is available in the product documentation.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Data Handling Limitation

Data Handling Limitation

Each data point received from an HP 6890 must be scaled within LINK before TotalChrom gets it and thus there is an aggregate limit of 100 data points per second that LINK can acquire from multiple HP 6890 GCs that are installed on a given LINK interface. Thus, you may take 100 data points per second from one HP6890 in single channel mode but can have no other instrument installed in the LINK. Or you may take 50 points per second in dual channel mode. You could also take dual channel data from two 6890s at 20 points per second. Or you may take dual channel data from four 6890s at 10 points per second. Or you may take single channel data from four 6890s at 20 points per second.

HP Hardware Requirements
Since the HP 6890 comes standard with a built-in RS-232 Serial Interface port, no additional hardware is required. The HP 6890 also has a built-in RS-232 Serial Interface port specifically for connection to the G1512A Autosampler controller. Thus, only one LINK instrument port is required for each HP 6890. The necessary cables required for connecting the Autosampler to the HP 6890 are supplied by Hewlett Packard and do not need to be ordered separately.

HP G1512A Controller
Install the Autosampler and controller as described in the HP 6890 Series Gas Chromatograph Site Preparation and Installation Manual.

Cable Requirements
To connect the LINK Interface to the HP 6890 GC, use PerkinElmer P/N S501-0015 (10 foot cable) or S501-0016 (25 foot cable). Alternatively, you can use a cable meant for connecting LINK to the HP 7673A, PerkinElmer P/N 6560-7610 or 6560-7625, fitted with a standard 9- to 25-pin adapter. Wiring diagrams of the cables listed above are provided in Appendix B.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

HP 6890 Hardware Configuration

HP 6890 Hardware Configuration

The LINK Interface sends commands to the HP 6890 to set most of the necessary communication parameters. However, the HP6890 does require initial configuration before the LINK Interface can communicate sufficiently to set the other parameters. The initial configuration of an HP 6890 is performed using the keypad of the chromatograph: 1. Press the [Options] key. The HP 6890 will display: OPTIONS Calibration Communication Keyboard Display 2.

<

Scroll down to Communication and then press the [Mode|Type] key. The HP 6890 will display: COMMUNICATION SETPTS HPIB address 0< ------ RS232 ------Baud rate: 19200

3.

Scroll down to Baud Rate and verify the following settings: ------ RS232 ------Baud rate: 19200< Handshake: None Parity: None Data bits: 8 Stop bits: 1 End of command: LF If any of the above settings are incorrect press the [Mode|Type] key and then select the correct communication setpoint.

4.

Press the [Clear] key. If any changes were made to the communication setpoints you must turn the GCs power off and then back on again for the changes to take effect.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Uploading Instrument Configuration for TotalChrom

Uploading Instrument Configuration for TotalChrom

The HP6890 IPM supports the [Query Inst for Config] button in TotalChroms CONFIG program. It is strongly recommended that this feature be used instead of manually setting the instrument configuration in CONFIG. If any configuration changes need to be made you should first release control, make the changes at the GC and then use [Query Inst for Config] to update TotalChroms configuration. This prevents illegal configurations from being specified which will result in a LINK error when you attempt to download a method to the GC. Furthermore, if you do get a LINK error when you try to download a method to the GC it is helpful to try to manually enter the setpoints at the GCs keypad. Some pressure/flow settings have limits that depend upon column dimensions and temperatures that are not available to TotalChrom at the time the method is created. For a list of LINK Error Messages, refer to Appendix A.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Uploading Instrument Configuration for TotalChrom

Table 1: Supported Instrument Functions

FUNCTION Inlet Type

PARAMETER VALUES None, PKD, CAP, POCI, POCO

NOTES PKD = Purged-Packed Column CAP = Split/Splitless Capillary POCI = Programmable OnColumn Inlet POCO = Programmable OnColumn with Oven Track

Valves Installed (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Detectors (A, B)

None, Valve FID, TCD, ECD, NPD, EICD, EXTN, FPD, PID

Valves 7 and 8 are not controlled by TotalChrom FID = Flame Ionization Detector TCD = Thermal Conductivity Detector ECD = Electron Capture Detector NPD = Nitrogen-Phosphorus Detector EICD = Electro Conductivity ( = Hall Effect) Use EXTN FPD = Flame Photometric PID = Photo Ionization Detector use FID

Data Channel (A, B)

Det A, Det B, Det A - Det B, Det B - Det A, Det A Comp1, Det A - Comp2, Det B - Comp1, Det B Comp2, Comp1, Comp2, Test Plot 50 to 750 m

Column Diameter

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Uploading Instrument Configuration for TotalChrom

FUNCTION Column Length Vacuum Compensation Analog Attenuation Sampling Rate Injection Type Syringe Capacity Sample Size

PARAMETER VALUES 1.00 to 200.00 meters ON, OFF 0 to 10 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.1 points per second Manual, Auto 5 L, 10 L 5L: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5L 10L: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0L

NOTES

Injection Speed Pre-Inj Sample Wash Sample Pumps Viscosity Delay Post-Inj Solvent Washes Valve State (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Detector Range (A, B)

Normal, On-Column 0 to 15 0 to 15 0 to 7 sec 0 to 15 On, Off 1, 5, 10, 25, 32, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 Initial state of valve at start of run Multiplier applied to detector data vs. value displayed on front panel of GC

Detector Polarity (TCD) Filament Control Detector Autozero

+, 0 = Off, 1 = On -830,000 to 830,000 =Offset 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled 0 to 450 C, 0 = Off 0 to 450 C, 0 = Off 70 to 450 C To protect temperature sensitive columns
HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Lets you turn TCD filament On/Off When enabled, autozero occurs at beginning of run

Inlet Temperature (A, B) Detector Temperature Oven Max. Temperature

Uploading Instrument Configuration for TotalChrom

FUNCTION Oven Equilibration Time Cryogenics Cryogenics Timeout Pressure Units Pneumatics Pressure/Flow Program a. Initial Press b. Initial Hold c. Ramps (3) (i) Rate (ii) End Press (iii) Hold Time Injector Temperature Program a. Initial Temp b. Initial Hold c. Ramps (3) (i) Rate (ii) End Temp (iii) Hold Time

PARAMETER VALUES 0 to 200 minutes Off, LN2, CO2 10 to 20 minutes kPa, Psig, Bar Press, Cflow, Pflow Range of pressures and flows depends on pressure units selected and column dimensions

NOTES

Applies to all pressure setpoints Pressure or flow can be programmed

-80 to 450 C 0 to 650 min 0 to 70.0 degree/min 0 to 450 C 0 to 650 min

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Uploading Instrument Configuration for TotalChrom

FUNCTION Aux Zone 1 Aux Zone 3, 4, 5 Pressure Program a. Initial Press b. Initial Hold c. Ramps (3) (i) Rate (ii) End Press (iii) Hold Time Oven Temp Program a. Initial Temp b. Initial Hold c. Ramps (3) (i) Rate (ii) End Temp (iii) Hold Time Timed Events: a. Valve (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) b. Multi-position valve c. Split Flow d. Pulse Press e. Gas Saver f. AutoZero Injection Site Vial Number Wash/Waste Vial

PARAMETER VALUES 0 to 450 C 0 to 100 psi, 0 to 690 kPa, 0 to 6.90 Bar

NOTES Aux Temp Zone 2 is not controlled by TotalChrom

-80 to 450 C 0 to 650 min 0 to 70.0 degree/min 0 to 450 C 0 to 650 min 0 to 999.9 minutes On, Off 1 to 32 0 to 999.9 ml/m 0 to 999.9 (Pressure units) 15.0 to 999.9 ml/m On, Off; 0 to 650 minutes Front, Rear 1 to 100 0 = Use A, 1 = Use B, 2 = Use Both Event Symbols: V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 MPV SPL1, SPL2 P/P1, P/P2 G/S1, G/S2 A/Z1, A/Z2

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

The following errors may be reported by the host software. Following each error is a description of potential problems that may result in the error message. Instrumentspecific errors are documented in the next section of this appendix.

0 1

No error occurred. ERROR command was given and no error had occurred. File already exists. A task tried to create a file, but it already exists. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM.

File does not exist. A task tried to access a non-existent file. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM.

PCB is already open. A task tried to open a Pipe Control Block that was already being used. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM.

File is already open. A task tried to open a file that was already open. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM.

File is protected (read only)! A task tried to write to a file that is read only. Probably result of bug in IPM.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 6 PCB has no open file. No file was open. A task tried to read from or write to a file that had not been opened yet. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 7 File not open for write. A task tried to write to a file that had not been opened yet. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 8 File not open for read. A task tried to write to a file that had not been opened yet. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 9 Illegal calling parameters. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 10 Ran out of memory. LINK is not supposed to begin a run if there would not be enough space to hold all the data. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 11 Ran out of directory entries. LINK has a limit of 512 files. This error could result from many very short runs. Probably result of connecting too many instruments to LINK.

10

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

Could be result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 12 Ran out of Task Control Blocks. This is probably the result of a task which creates new tasks but fails to return Task Control Blocks to system when done. May require that the rogue task execute several times before error occurs. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 13 14 Memory Pool does not exist for this file. This error should never occur. Unexpected end of file or device timed-out. Probably result of communications failure via Serial Port. Could be result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 15 Ran out of Pipe Control Blocks. This is probably the result of a task which requests Pipe Control Blocks from System but fails to return them when done. May require that the rogue task execute several times before error occurs. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 16 Pipe Control Block not assigned to Task yet. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 17 Illegal filename. Illegal characters were given in a filename. Probably result of bug in Host control program. Could be result of bug in IPM.
HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM 11

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 18 19 20 File is erased. This is a DEVICE not a file. An operation was attempted on a device that only applies to a file. File is too large. This error results if you try to download an IPM that is larger than 16K bytes. Probably result of bug in Host control program. Could be result of a corrupted IPM file at Host computer. 21 BIN failed verification during write operation. When you download an IPM, LINK always verifies that it was written correctly. If verification fails, then this error would result. Probably result of missing SRAM chip(s). Could be result of defective SRAM chip(s). Could be result of bug in Host control program. 22 Syntax error on command line. Although LINK recognized the command, the parameters on command line do not make sense. Probably result of bug in Host control software. Could be result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM. 23 Cable not connected. Probably result of cable not plugged into LINK port. Could be result of improperly wired RS-232 cable. 24 STOP command was given. The STOP command does not apply to instrument control and thus should never be issued to an IPM. Probably result of bug in Host control software. 25 Binary data not allowed here. Probably result of bug in Host control software.

12

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

26

Not allowed in an INVOKE file. Probably result of bug in IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM. Could be result of bug in LINK OS EPROM.

27

BIN library is not compatible. Probably result of using an out-of-date LINK EPROM or an out-of-date IPM. Could be result of corrupted IPM.

28 29

BIN library is corrupted or not available. Probably result of corrupted IPM. Command line parameter is out of range. Probably result of bug in Host software. Could be result of bug in IPM or LINK EPROM.

30

BIN module not found in any of the libraries. LINK could not find the IPM given in the INSTALL command. Probably result of bug in Host software.

31

Device expected here, not file. An operation was attempted on a file that is only allowed for a device, such as setting Baud rate with the MODE command. Illegal character found in string. Probably result of bug in IPM or LINK EPROM. BIN is in use. This error results if the Host computer tries to erase (BINERASE) or download to (BINCOPY) an IPM while it is in use (still INSTALLED). Probably result of bug in Host software.

32 33

34

Circular input buffer overflowed. Probably result of data arriving at port before the IPM was installed. Could be result of bug in IPM.

35

Instrument does not respond. Probably result of instrument being turned off. Could be result of disconnected RS-232 cable.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

13

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

36

Command is out of sequence. This error results when certain commands are given before prerequisite commands are given. Probably result of bug in Host software.

37

Interrupt not serviced fast enough. Too much data arrived at instrument port for the CPU to handle. Probably result of bug in LINK EPROM or bug in IPM.

38 40

Handle does not exist. Probably result of bug in Host software. GPIB is not bus controller. A non-PerkinElmer program has attempted to communicate to the GPIB address of this LINK. Command not recognized. Probably result of bug in Host software. Could be result of corrupted IPM.

50

51 52

Record is too long for buffer. Probably fault of GPIB or RS-232 communications. Ran out of Handles. This is probably the result of a task which asks for handles from the LINK Operating System, but neglects to give them back when done with them. Probably result of bug in IPM.

53

Ran out of Chores. This is probably the result of a task which asks for chores from the LINK Operating System, but neglects to give them back when done with them. Probably result of bug in IPM.

54

Extra Acknowledgment was received. Results when LINK receives a packet protocol acknowledgment it was not expecting. Probably result of bug in Host software.

60

Communications error. Probably result of incorrect Baud rate. Could be result of noise on RS-232 line.

14

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

61

Instrument reports an error. Probably result of a problem at the instrument. See tabulation of error messages later in this section. Could be result of an improper configuration. The instrument which LINK is controlling has reported an error. The error message is instrument specific.

62

IPM was already installed. An INSTALL command was issued when an IPM had already been installed at that port. Probably result of bug in Host software.

63

Parameter cannot be changed in this mode. This error typically occurs when the host system attempts to send a nonsetpoint parameter while the chromatograph is in the midst of a run. This is a read only parameter. This error typically occurs when the host system attempts to change a parameter that cannot be edited. LINK has not taken control of the instrument yet. Many instrument commands require that the instrument be seized. This error results if SEIZE command was not issued first. Probably result of bug in Host software. Could be result of someone releasing control of instrument with LINKTALK and then restarting the Host software.

64

65

66 67 99 255

Autosampler not installed. Probably result of improper configuration. Data segment has not been released with OC command. Probably result of bug in Host software. The subroutine that was called is not finished yet. Probably result of bug in IPM. Fatal system error. This error will result on recovery from a Fatal System Error. A Fatal System Error is signified by LEDs at all four channels appearing to bounce up and down. Set DIP switch 8 ON and then OFF again to have LINK recover (reset itself). Afterwards, an error 255 will be obtained. Write down the register values reported with this error so factory engineers can trace the cause of the malfunction.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

15

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

HP6890-Specific IPM Errors

74 Re-config as Column 1 = Front Inlet / Column 2 = Back. TotalChrom requires that the Front Inlet must always be connected to Column 1 and the Back Inlet must always be connected to Column 2. This error results when LINK tries to Take Control of an HP 6890 in which this is not true. Re-configure the GC from its keypad. 75 Column dimensions must be provided. If you specified that this is a Defined Column in CONFIG but you left a zero in Column Length or Column Diameter in the Method then you will get this error when you try to download the method. Set the proper column dimensions in the Method Editor (for both columns) and setup the instrument again. 61 Instrument reports an error. There are two forms this error may take, depending upon whether the error originated in the GC or in the Autosampler. If the error originated in the GC it will have the following form:
ssCCER <cmd header> P<parameter_number> E<error_number>; EN

The <cmd header> will look something like C1ssCF and names the command that caused the error. The <parameter_number> indicates which parameter in the command caused the error. The <error_number> indicates what was wrong with the parameter. P0 = Indicates that the error is within the command header. E1 = Parameter out of range, too large. E2 = Parameter out of range, too small. E3 = Wrong parameter type E4 = No instruction found in input message E5 = Beginning of instruction found but not complete E15 = Parameter is not compatible with hardware installed E44 = Data overrun error; data has been lost

16

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix A LINK Error Messages

E48 = Command error - subsequent parameters ignored If the error originated in the Autosampler it will have the following form: vv00SINJECT <error_number> 100 = Tray Z axis failed to find home. 101 = Tray Radius failed to find home. 102 = Tray Theta failed to find home. 103 = There was a bottle in the gripper. 104 = There was no bottle in the gripper (not found in tray). 105 = Stopped by injector stop button. 106 = Selected injector is not present. 107 = Tray is not present. 108 = The Bar Code Reader is not present. 110 = Front Tower communications error = No flashes on tower. 111 = Front Syringe Error = 2 flashes on tower. 112 = Front Turret Error = 3 flashes on tower. 113 = Front Plunger Error = 4 flashes on tower. 114 = Front Inject Error = 5 flashes on tower. 115 = Front CPU error. 116 = Front Door was open. 117 = Front Tower was reset. 120 = Front Tower communications error = No flashes on tower. 121 = Front Syringe Error = 2 flashes on tower. 122 = Front Turret Error = 3 flashes on tower. 123 = Front Plunger Error = 4 flashes on tower. 124 = Front Inject Error = 5 flashes on tower. 125 = Front CPU error. 126 = Front Door was open. 127 = Front Tower was reset.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

17

Appendix B Wiring Diagram

Appendix B Wiring Diagram

Cable, RS-232, 600 Series to HP G1512A PerkinElmer P/N S501-0015 and S501-0016 (10 or 25 feet) HP G1512A Female 9-pin 600 Series Male 25-pin

2 3 5

2 3 7 6

18

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix C Operational Hints for the HP6890

Appendix C Operational Hints for the HP6890

Column Configuration
Within the HP6890's Column Configuration section the user is allowed to specify which inlet the column is connected to. To avoid confusion, TotalChrom requires that the Front Inlet must always be connected to Column 1 and the Back Inlet must always be connected to Column 2. The IPM checks this configuration when the GC is seized and gives the following error if not so:
Error 74 at a: = Re-config as Column 1 = Front Inlet / Column 2 = Back

Also, within the Column Configuration section the user is allowed to specify which detector the column is connected to. Connecting column 1 to the back detector and column 2 to the front detector can be accommodated by switching data channels in the method editor.

Upper Limits for Gas Flow Rates

The upper limit for gas flow rates varies according to conditions that are not accessible to TotalChrom. Although the Method Editor limits the upper flow rate to 999.9 mL/minute, the user must determine what the actual upper limit is and not exceed it. If the actual upper limit is exceeded you will get an error when the method is downloaded.

Flame Lit Offset and Reignite Options

Lit Offset is the expected difference between the FID output with the flame lit and the output with he flame off. If the output falls below this value, the FID will attempt to reignite twice. If the output does not increase by at least this value, the detector shuts down all functions except temperature and makeup gas flow. TotalChrom will not change the Lit Offset value of the HP6890. However, it will enable the Reignite logic for FID and FPD detectors if the Fuel (Hydrogen) flow is non-zero and disable it if Fuel Flow has been set to zero. Note that the GC will not attempt to ignite the flame unless the actual Detector Temperature is higher than 150. It is suggested that you enter a Detector Temperature no lower than 152 because the Detector Temperature can fluctuate and momentarily dip below this minimum and thus interfere with the Reignite logic.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

19

Appendix C Operational Hints for the HP6890

Run Log
When enabled in the method, the Run Log will be saved in the raw data file and printed in each run's post-run report. The meaning of each Run Log entry is specific to the HP6890 and must be obtained from the HP6890 manual.

ElCD (Electro Conductivity) and PID (Photo Ionization) Detectors

For the HP6890, the PID and ElCD detectors are made by an O.E.M. (O.I. Corp.) and are not integrated into the GC as the other detectors are. Namely, when the PID is installed the GC will think it is an FID and when the ElCD is installed the GC will see it through the Analog Input Board (EXTN detector). These two detectors are usually installed together. Thus, the correct choices in CONFIG are FID when using a PID and EXTN when using an ElCD. When using the Analog Input Board the HP6890 does not allow EPC control of detector gases, which is appropriate because the ElCD offers only manual control of gases.

Detector Range
The HP6890 Range parameter will not be supported. The same function can be obtained with the Attenuation parameter. The Range parameter found in the Detectors dialog box of the Method Editor will instead be used to scale the detector data received by LINK. The choices available for the Range parameter are: 1X, 5X, 10X, 25X, 50X, 100X, 250X, 500X, 1000X. Choosing a multiplier factor greater than 1X will increase the sensitivity.

Split/Splitless Flow/Ratio
Although the user can specify either Split Flow or Split Ratio from the GCs keypad, the IPM (and TotalChrom) will only be able to support Split Ratio when using a defined column (Capillary mode). When the column is undefined the user specifies total flow and must adjust inlet pressure to obtain the ratio that is desired. As in the AutoSystem GC, a Splitless technique will be indicated by setting the Split Flow (or Ratio) to zero. If a non-EPC Split/Splitless inlet is installed then a non-Zero value for flow selects the Split technique but does not control the actual flow value. A Zero value selects Splitless operation. As in the AutoSystem GC, timed events SPL1 and SPL2 are used to specify Purge Flow later in the run (for Splitless Technique only).

20

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

Appendix C Operational Hints for the HP6890

The Purge Flow (Timed Event SPL1 or SPL2) MUST be specified when using the Splitless technique. If the Purge Flow remains zero or set to too low a value then the column pressure requested can never be obtained and the GC will never become ready. Even though the Purge Flow is specified in a Timed Event, this value applies before the time specified for the Event! It is suggested that you determine the proper Purge Flow by releasing control of the HP6890 and then entering values at the local keypad until desired pressure is obtained.

Pulsed Pressure Split and Splitless Modes

The HP6890 IPM will support Pulsed Pressure Split/Splitless modes via the timed event P/P1 and P/P2. The Event Time will determine the Pulsed Time and the Event Value will determine the Pulsed Pressure. If this Timed Event is not chosen then the GC will revert to plain Split/Splitless modes. Note that the same effect produced by the Pulsed injection can be obtained via the programmed pressure/flow settings.

Gas Saver
The HP6890 IPM will support Gas Saver Flow and Time via the timed events G/S1 and G/S2. These Timed Events are only valid for a Split/Splitless Inlet and when Column Dimensions have been defined. Otherwise, the timed events will be ignored. The minimum Gas Saver Flow is 15 ml/min. The Gas Saver feature will always be turned off when a new method is downloaded unless a Timed Event is included in the method to enable it.

Prep Run
The HP 6890 has a Prep Run state that advances the setpoints (Purge flow and Gas Saver) to the initial conditions. If Splitless mode is used or if Gas Saver is used in either Splitless or Split modes then the GC must be put into Pre-Run before a run can be started. The user may either press the [Prep Run]key or if Auto Prep Run is enabled the GC will do so automatically. Auto Prep Run can be enabled or disabled via the Config-Instrument dialog at the front panel of the GC. When controlled by TotalChrom the user probably will leave Auto Prep Run disabled and let the IPM put the GC into Pre-Run when a sequence is started in the Navigator. For manual injections it is expected that the user will press the [Prep Run] key on the GC and then press the [Start] key when he makes an injection. When the Autosampler is used Prep Run is initiated by the IPM for each run in the sequence but the GC is left in the Waiting for Prep Run state at the end of the sequence.

HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM

21

Appendix C Operational Hints for the HP6890

Carrier Gases
The HP6890 supports eight different carrier gases but TotalChrom only supports four. Thus, when you do a Query Instrument for Configuration gas types will be mapped as follows: HP Gas Type PerkinElmer Gas Type

Nitrogen --------------------> Nitrogen Hydrogen -------------------> Hydrogen Helium ----------------------> Helium Argon/Methane ------------> Argon/Methane Oxygen ----------------------> Nitrogen Air ---------------------------> Nitrogen Argon -----------------------> Argon/Methane Unknown -------------------> Nitrogen The carrier gas type is only used when measuring flow rates and thus the mapped gas type was chosen to be closest in density.

Purged Packed Inlet (with EPC)

Although the CONFIG program provides CFlow as a choice, it will not work in the HP6890 with the PKD Inlet and will cause an error when the method is downloaded. Also, the PPres choice requires capillary mode (= defined column) or it will cause an error when such a method is downloaded.

Default Column Dimensions

The unusual default column dimensions that you see in the Method Editor (Length = 123.45 m, Diameter = 678 m) were deliberately chosen so that it would be obvious when column dimensions have not yet been specified for a new method.

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HP 6890 / Autosampler IPM